Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA) from Jill Bysegger

Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA)

I met Laura Fortner last fall when I was interviewing doulas to attend our birth at our local freestanding birth center. My husband was wary of hiring a doula, as he felt he didn’t need support during our birthing experience, however he indulged me since I felt so strongly about it. Within seconds of Laura walking into our home, she immediately warmed her way into both of our hearts. Her personality, knowledge, and calming presence made the decision to have her attend our birth an easy one.

When overnight, my care was transferred from our local midwives to a hospital for an induction due to pre-eclampsia, she supported our decision to travel an hour to the doctor of our choice. Laura was always there to remind me to take my time to make important decisions regarding the health of my child and myself. She was able to show my husband different supportive and pain relieving techniques and was there to give him much needed breaks. There were times during my 42 hours of labor when I wanted to give up, but she knew how important having a birth without pain medication was to me and had the perfect balance of encouragement and nurturing to allow me to have the birth that I wanted. Her presence humbled my husband when he found Laura to be beneficial in both her guidance and support. He and I have already decided that when we have our next child, we both would love Laura to be a part of our birthing experience again.

Since the birth of our son, Laura has also become a dear friend. Her passion for helping women and families has been apparent from day one and she is someone who I’m blessed to have met in both a professional and personal capacity.

Jill Bysegger

-Jill Bysegger

January 27, 2014